Microgrids--an innovative concept in electric power production and distribution--are energy-balanced cells that exist within the larger power grid or as stand-alone networks. This is a collaborative volume from a group of European electrical engineers that details this rapidly developing field. The basic concept is not new, but new technologies of renewable energy harvesting and the development of algorithms and analytical methods that for the first time allow power load balancing to be calculated and applied on smaller and smaller scales, has stimulated its recent development. After an overview of the microgrid concept in general, including applicable market models and issues of operation and control, more focussed chapters on many issues covered therein follow. Microgrid control issues are detailed, with descriptions and models of intelligent local controllers; chapters on protection of microgrids and fault management and on everyday operations of the system follow. Several pilot sites are detailed then (in Europe, USA< Japan, China and Chile), describing both successes and errors made in their implementation. The final chapter provides an overview of the motivation for the use of microgrids in economic and social context: their technical, economic, environmental and social benefits. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)